When most people try to lower their grocery bills, they clip coupons or switch to generic store brands in the main aisles. However, one of the best-kept secrets for massive savings is hiding right in the international foods section of your local supermarket. Because these aisles cater to specific culinary needs, the products are often packaged differently and priced much more competitively than their domestic counterparts. You can find essential pantry staples, vibrant spices, and unique sauces for a fraction of what they cost just three aisles over. Here are six items you should always grab from the international aisle to keep your grocery budget fully intact.
1. Large Pouches of Spices
The standard baking aisle sells spices in tiny, beautiful glass jars that cost an absolute fortune for just a few meager ounces. If you walk over to the Hispanic or Indian sections of the international aisle, you will find those same spices sold in simple cellophane pouches. You can buy massive bags of cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and chili powder for less than half the price of the tiny glass jars. Once you get home, you can simply pour the cheap bagged spices into your empty, saved jars from previous purchases. It is the easiest way to keep your food highly flavorful without spending your entire paycheck on seasonings.
2. Canned and Dry Beans
Beans are already a budget-friendly staple, but you can stretch your dollar even further by checking the international section before the canned vegetable aisle. Latin American brands often sell large bags of dry pinto or black beans at a significant discount compared to domestic labels. Even the canned versions are frequently priced a few cents cheaper and often come in larger, family-sized tins. This is also the best place to find unique, protein-packed varieties like pigeon peas or black gram that you won’t see anywhere else. Stocking up on these affordable legumes provides a cheap and hearty base for countless weekday dinners.
3. Authentic Hot Sauces and Condiments
If your family loves a good kick of heat, you are probably overpaying for trendy, boutique hot sauces in the standard condiment aisle. The international section is overflowing with massive bottles of authentic Mexican hot sauces, Asian chili crisps, and rich soy sauces for just a few dollars. These imported products are often more flavorful, less diluted with vinegar, and significantly cheaper than the heavily marketed domestic brands. You can also score incredible deals on items like toasted sesame oil, which adds a restaurant-quality finish to your homemade stir-fries. Exploring these shelves will elevate your cooking while simultaneously lowering your condiment spending.
4. Bulk Rice and Specialty Grains
Buying those tiny, microwavable pouches of pre-cooked rice is a terrible habit that absolutely destroys a tight grocery budget over time. Instead, you should visit the Asian or Hispanic aisles to find massive, five or ten-pound bags of high-quality rice. Whether you prefer fragrant jasmine, nutty basmati, or standard long-grain white rice, the bulk bags here offer the best price per ounce in the entire store. It might require you to learn how to cook rice on the stove, but the financial payoff is undeniably huge. A single large bag can easily serve as the filling base for your family’s dinners for several months.
5. Canned Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a fantastic ingredient for making rich curries, creamy soups, and dairy-free desserts right in your own kitchen. If you look for it in the trendy health food aisle or the baking section, you will almost certainly pay a premium price. However, the same product is always much cheaper when you buy it from the Thai or Indian sections of the international aisle. The imported brands are usually higher quality, featuring a thicker cream top and fewer chemical stabilizers than the mainstream American versions. It is a quick swap that saves you a dollar or two on every single can you purchase.
6. Loose-Leaf Tea and Coffee
If you are tired of paying top dollar for small boxes of generic tea bags, the international aisle offers a brilliant and aromatic escape. You can find large boxes of high-quality green tea, rich black tea, and herbal blends in the Asian and Middle Eastern sections for exceptionally low prices. Additionally, the Latin American shelves often feature fantastic deals on large bricks of espresso and boldly roasted coffee grounds. These imported beverages deliver a much stronger, more authentic flavor profile than the dusty boxes found in the regular beverage aisle. It is an incredibly easy way to upgrade your morning routine while strictly adhering to a tight budget.
Unlocking Global Savings
You don’t need a passport or a massive budget to enjoy a kitchen completely stocked with high-quality, flavorful ingredients. By making the international aisle your first stop during a grocery run, you bypass the inflated prices of clever domestic marketing. The simple packaging and bulk sizing found on these shelves are the ultimate secret weapons for any frugal home cook. Start substituting your regular spices, grains, and sauces with these global alternatives to see immediate financial relief. You will expand your culinary horizons, improve the taste of your meals, and save some serious cash in the process.
What To Read Next
10 Expensive Groceries That Have Cheaper Equivalents in the International Aisle
9 Grocery Store Items Cheaper at International Markets
How the U.S. Compares: International Approaches to Food Dye Regulation
5 Foods That Are Cheapest When Bought in Larger Quantities
12 Unreasonably Priced Items In Almost Every Grocery Store
The post 6 Things You Should Buy at the International Aisle to Save appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
